Mag-log inNicole. “I thought you wanted to spend time with me before I go back to school?” I whined to Leah for what was probably the hundredth time as she was handing bags to Jack to put in the car for their ‘weekend trip’. “You still have an entire week before you go,” she countered, also for the hundredth time. “So we'll have plenty of time together before then.” I groaned at that reply. “Come on, it isn't going to be that bad. All you have to do is keep the kids alive and occupied—preferably at the same time.” “I'm sure we can do that.” Zach's voice appeared from behind me as he walked down the stairs carrying a small suitcase that was probably for Leah out to the car she and Jack were going to be driving in. I turned back to look at him and my heart did a little jump at how he looked at that moment with his black t-shirt and beige shorts. His hair was tousled like he had just woken up from sleep and the way his muscles strained against the fabric of the shirt very visibly was d
Nicole.. I bit my bottom lip, as I glanced at the windows, my heart starting to race at the thrill of getting caught. Zach’s hand found my chin, gently tilting my face back to his. “Hey,” he murmured, his thumb grazing my cheek. “Eyes on me, Nicole.” My breath caught as his gaze locked with mine, dark and intense. I could take a guess, from the way his breathing was becoming slightly heavy what exactly might have been going through his mind at that moment. The sounds of the trail around us started to fade away and it was just the sound of our breathing and the heat between us that you could hear. I moved a bit on Zach's lap, and in turn, his hand slid down from my waist to rest on my thigh, his touch sending a shiver through me. He leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that started soft but quickly deepened, his fingers gripping just above my knee. The intensity of it made my head spin, and I instinctively reached for him, my hands fisting the front of his shirt to
Nicole.. I was actually going to miss this little cabin. I thought to myself as I walked out and shut the door behind me. It was nice to get away from everything and just feel free even if it was just for a few days. I still had some time to spend with Leah before I had to get back to school but it was less than a week. Less than a week till I go back to being the laughing stock of my entire college. I'm not sure if I was ready for that. Who would be ready for something like that. “Why are you looking so sentimental?” Zach's voice cuts into my thoughts as he grabs the duffel bag in my hand and hauled it into the car. “We were only here for a few days.” “Don't be dramatic,” I rolled my eyes at him, “I was just enjoying my next few moments of silence before we head back to the house.” “Silence?” He raised an eyebrow, “With the way you scream my name, I don't think silence is what you could use to describe our stay at the cabin.” I spun around to hide the heat that rose
Anonymous Pov.. My breath caught in my throat. Slowly, I turned, my movements calculated and calm, though my mind raced with potential excuses. My eyes locked onto a tall figure walking towards me. It was one of the guards. His piercing eyes studied me closely, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon. “Who are you?” the guard demanded, his voice low and steady, with an edge that made it clear he didn’t trust me. “What are you doing out here?” I hesitated for a brief moment, just long enough to seem nervous but not suspicious. “I’m one of the new recruits,” I said, keeping my tone even and respectful. “I just started today. I came out here for a walk to clear my head after my shift.” The guard narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing me as if trying to read my thoughts. I stood my ground, holding his gaze but not too confidently. The silence stretched between us, heavy and tense. My palms grew damp, but I didn’t let my anxiety show. “New recruit, huh?” he muttered, tilting his h
Jack.. I sat by the window in my study, looking out at the forest. The sky was cloudy and grey, and it felt like rain would fall at any moment. Leah’s favorite weather. For weeks, I had been searching. I followed every lead, every clue, but it was no use. The rogues who had attacked Nicole were gone, like they never even existed. I didn’t understand how it was possible. Each time I failed, I felt angrier and more helpless. I had promised Leah I would protect Nicole. But how could I, when I couldn’t even find the people who hurt her? I looked at the desk in front of me. On it sat a photo of Leah, smiling brightly. Her face was full of life in that picture, her eyes shining with joy. I wanted her to be happy forever. I let out a long breath. I knew what I needed to do, Nicole had to leave immediately. It wasn’t safe for her to stay here, not while the rogues were still out there somewhere. If I couldn’t catch them, then I couldn’t guarantee her safety. I stood up and ran
Nicole.. Ringggggggg! Ringggggggg! I groaned, burrowing under the covers, hoping the sound would stop… or at least that I could figure out where it was coming from. Ringggggggg! Peeking out, I squinted against the morning light streaming through the blinds. Zach was sprawled beside me, utterly oblivious, one arm behind his head, the other resting on his stomach. I nudged him gently. “Zach… your phone is ringing.” Nothing. Not a stir. “Zach,” I tried again, louder this time. The buzzing continued on the nightstand, and my patience thinned. I rolled my eyes and grabbed the phone. Jack’s name flashed across the screen. “Zach!” I shook him. He groaned, barely cracking an eye open. “Hmm?” “Your phone.” I held it out. He barely moved. “Just ignore it,” he mumbled, turning back to the pillow. “It’s Jack. It might be important.” “What if it isn’t? He’s probably just checking in.” “Zach! Just answer the damn call!” With a heavy sigh, he propped himself on h







